Tech —

Wireless optical desktop and Bluetooth mouse review

Wireless keyboards and mice are all the rage these days. Ars takes a look at a …

Conclusion

Wireless Optical Desktops are definitely liberating. No wires to get tangled up in or to trip over. No more cleaning out your mouse ball and rollers. These products set you free. Ok, so they are not "get out of jail free" cards, but you know what we're getting at.

Of all the wireless keyboards, the MX3100/LX700 keyboard from Logitech was probably the nicest of the bunch. Granted, all the keyboards here had their shortcomings, but these two (identical) keyboards were generally the easiest to use, had the nicest feel, and had the longest operating distance. Both Logitech mice were pleasant to use as wellespecially the MX1000 Laser mouse (which can be purchased separately if you don't want the keyboard.) Both the Kensington and the Microsoft keyboards were nice because of their ergonomic design and additional functionality.

Regarding BlueTooth mice, the Logitech MX900 took top honors. The included charging cradle/BT transceiver, rechargeable batteries, multi-function buttons, and the nice feel made this mouse a winner. The Microsoft BT mouse was also nice with its "chiseled" like design and mini USB BT adapter. The Kensington mouse was simple yet worked with any BT hub, and it fit easily in either left or right hand.

Logitech Cordless Desktop MX3100 (feat. MX1000 Laser mouse)

Pros

Best keyboard feel

Extra keys including media keys

4-way scroll wheel and zoom toggle

Longest operating distance

MX1000 Laser mouse!

Works on glossy surfaces

Fast-charging cradle

On/Off switch

3-light charge indicator

High-capacity internal Li-Ion battery

800dpi precision and 5.8Mpixel/sec processing power

Cons

Small ESC and "F-keys" (F1 thru F12)

Pricey for a wireless desktop

Li-Ion battery not user replaceable

Logitech Cordless Desktops LX700

Pros

Great keyboard feel

Extra keys including media keys

4-way scroll wheel and zoom toggle

Longest operating distance

Cordless Click Plus optical mouse with 800dpi precision

Fast-charging cradle

Best overall value!

Cons

Small ESC and "F-keys" (F1 thru F12)

Kensington Comfort Type Rechargeable Wireless Optical Desktop

Pros

Unique slanted key design for better hand positioning

A pair of 1400mAh AA NiMH batteries always ready in the charging/base station

No external power supply needed for charging/base station

Multi-media keys and scroll wheel with forward/back buttons

Cons

Cheap, plasticky feel to the keys

Strange/annoying rearrangement of the arrow keys and other nearby keys